Apple won’t face immediate sanctions after June 26 DMA deadline

With the first big enforcement deadline under the EU’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA) just days away, the European Commission is signaling a more measured approach toward two of the law’s highest-profile targets: Apple and Meta. Here’s what today’s news means in context.

60-day grace period to end on June 26

In April, both companies were fined (€500 million for Apple, €200 million for Meta) for failing to meet their DMA obligations and given 60 days to start complying. That window officially closes on June 26. But an EU spokesperson confirmed to Euronews today that no new financial penalties will kick in automatically once the clock runs out.

Instead, any additional sanctions will only come after the Commission completes a preliminary analysis of each company’s current behavior and gives them a chance to respond. The spokesperson described the process as part of an “ongoing exchange” between regulators and the tech giants.

The April fines

Apple’s penalty centered on the App Store policies that prevented developers from directing users to alternative purchase options outside Apple’s ecosystem, something the Commission says runs counter to the DMA’s goal of increasing competition and user choice.

Meta, meanwhile, was fined for its controversial “pay or consent” model, which forces users to either agree to personalized ad tracking, or pay a monthly subscription to opt out. Meta has since rolled out a revised version of the system, claiming it relies on less personal data. The Commission is still evaluating whether it complies with the law.

While these April penalties marked the EU’s first real enforcement steps under the DMA, they were modest by the standards of previous antitrust cases. Under former competition chief Margrethe Vestager, Big Tech companies often faced fines in the billion-euro range.

Back in April, EU officials explained that the smaller amounts reflected the short timeframe of the infractions (since the DMA only came into force in 2023), and the Commission’s new focus on promoting compliance, rather than punishment.

The politics angle

All of this, of course, is playing out against a broader backdrop of escalating digital trade tensions between the EU and the US.

After Washington imposed new tariffs on European goods earlier this year, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen floated the idea of countermeasures, including a new tax on digital ad revenues.

The US Trade Representative, for its part, has labeled the DMA and other EU tech regulations as unfair barriers to American companies.

Whether today’s news is a direct reflection of those threats is anyone’s guess. But for now, it looks like Apple and Meta have bought themselves a little more breathing room.

Keep track of your essentials with the Apple AirTag 4 Pack, the ultimate tracking solution for your belongings. With over 5,972 ratings and a stellar 4.7-star average, this product has quickly become a customer favorite. Over 10,000 units were purchased in the past month, solidifying its status as a highly rated Amazon Choice product.

For just $79.98, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your items are always within reach. Order now for only $79.98 at Amazon!

Help Power Techcratic’s Future – Scan To Support

If Techcratic’s content and insights have helped you, consider giving back by supporting the platform with crypto. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s for high-quality content, server maintenance, or future updates. Techcratic is constantly evolving, and your support helps drive that progress.

As a solo operator who wears all the hats, creating content, managing the tech, and running the site, your support allows me to stay focused on delivering valuable resources. Your support keeps everything running smoothly and enables me to continue creating the content you love. I’m deeply grateful for your support, it truly means the world to me! Thank you!